The proposed bill seeks to amend chapter 314 of Missouri law by adding four new sections that address discriminatory practices against individuals convicted of certain offenses. It introduces definitions for key terms such as "certificate," "circuit court," "eligible individual," and "petition." The bill empowers circuit courts to issue certificates of exemplary conduct to eligible individuals, provided they demonstrate good moral character and consistent positive behavior. The courts are also granted the authority to investigate petitions and must make decisions on these petitions within a reasonable timeframe. Additionally, the courts can revoke certificates if the holder is subsequently convicted of a crime. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that while a certificate does not prevent access to an individual's conviction history by various authorities, it does remove barriers related to employment, housing, and occupational licenses for eligible individuals. Employers are protected from liability for actions taken by employees who hold a certificate, except in cases of willful misconduct. The bill also mandates that the chief justice of the Missouri Supreme Court may create forms to assist individuals in their applications and requires annual reporting to the General Assembly on the status of licensure applicants with felony convictions and certificates.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (6889H.01): 314.205, 314.208, 314.211, 314.214